DHEA-S

A steroid secreted by the cortex of the suprarenal gland and the testis; a precursor of testosterone. Limited studies suggest that DHEA reduces the percentage of body fat, perhaps by blocking the storage of energy as fat. Commercial formulations of DHEA are marketed as dietary supplements, although it is neither a nutrient nor a component of the human food chain. It has been promoted for the prevention of degenerative diseases including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer dementia, and parkinsonism and other effects of aging, but none of the alleged benefits has been confirmed in large, randomized clinical trials. Long-term administration to postmenopausal women has been associated with insulin resistance, hypertension, and reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.